Steve Wolgamot for City Council

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS

Philosophy: Parks are places where people meet on neutral ground; get to know neighbors; establish links and relationships that forge strong neighborhoods. For children, neighborhood parks are often a first chance at indepenence; a time to learn about older and younger children; an opportunity to explore cooperation and dispute resolution without adult supervision; and a place to meet friends.

Standards: For a neighborhood park to work it requires proximity, accessibility, attractiveness, and something to do. Every neighborhood park should have an activity designed to engage a child while he waits for a playmate to appear. Every neighborhood park should have a place to sit that encourages people to address each other and meet. Every neighborhood park should be accessible from several directions, expanding its scope and reach.

Neighborhood Building: The best neighborhoods identify themselves geographically. Ideally, people locate their homes by a shared, treasured asset - "right next to Hallam Park" - and neighborhood cohesion and cooperation are the results.

Issues: Neighborhood parks are often neglected, sometimes shamefully, in deference to larger community parks. Neglect can render these treasured places unappealing and unused. It is a goal of ZAPP to ensure that each neighborhood has parks to call its own.